*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.

Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!

Random Quote: A smooth sea never made for a skillfull sailor...lannyard

I have a few older 2 stroke outboards. Time to take them out and I have already started them on the hose and they ran fine. But I want to put in carb cleaner additive in the fuel tank to make sure the carbs are good and clean.

What is the best carb cleaner to put in the fuel tank that will work on my Old Mercs?

I'm a huge fan of Pennzoil Regane. Use it in all my vehicles and it does a great job.

However, I question using it in a two-stroke??? Wouldn't you be diluting/altering the oil-fuel mixture and that could possibly cause lubrication problems? Just wondering out loud here, I'm by no means a two-stroke guy. Don't know if doing this would hurt the engine or not.

If you have not been using anything, I would do a heavy dose of Seafoam or even a Dunk's de-carb. The de-carb will also help desolve any light varnish in the fuel passages & system. Then run Seafoam at the regular mix from there on out when the fuel is pumped. Also put in marine stabil or some other stabilizer to combat alcohol unless your are 150% sure you are buying only non-alcohol fuel.

There is nothing that can be added to your fuel that will clean your carbs. The stuff doesnt work. Take them apart if they need cleaning.

True, seafoam may help keep them clear but they all need rebuilding if they become clogged or the float needle wears the point out. Engine vibration will wear internal parts eventually.

Carbs don't need just cleaning, parts have to be replaced to keep them working properly. Carb kits are still available at many sources, even NAPA sells carb kits for 1950's outboards. Wire needs to be run through the jet orifices during a rebuild,
seafoam is good stuff but it can't do that.

thanks for the repsonses, engine runs good, just don't want any problems. I am VERY careful about
putting it up in for the winter and runnig Stabil suring the season. I use Seafoam once in a while.
Last year I bought the Mercury brand fuel additive, can't remeber the name, yelow liquid about $20 a bottle for 16 oz. I used it up and motor ran good as usual. I was just wondering if there is something
at the Wally World I could try this year.

thanks for the repsonses, engine runs good, just don't want any problems. I am VERY careful about
putting it up in for the winter and runnig Stabil suring the season. I use Seafoam once in a while.
Last year I bought the Mercury brand fuel additive, can't remeber the name, yelow liquid about $20 a bottle for 16 oz. I used it up and motor ran good as usual. I was just wondering if there is something
at the Wally World I could try this year.

Mercury Quickleen. Another is Yamaha Ringfree, and there are host of others that work. Most people have their favorites. Seafoam is available at every autoparts store where I live and the marine products are not.

Sounds like you are good. As long as the fuel system is not gunked up, additives can go a long way to keep it clean.

I Filled up the the larger boat with ethanol FREE gas on July 8th of last year.....the last gas I put in the
boat for the season. I winterized in early October with about 18 gallons of the same gas left and I added prescribed amount of SaBil.

It sat untouched all winter utill:

I started the boat on Thursday of last week in the driveway, it idled a little rough but not bad on gas that was almost 11 months old. I then put 5 new gallons of premium ethanol FREE gas and then added about 10 oz. of Seafoam and 3 oz. of Stabil.

The boat started right up, no rough idle, took it out on the river, ran like it did when new.

I Filled up the the larger boat with ethanol FREE gas on July 8th of last year.....the last gas I put in the
boat for the season. I winterized in early October with about 18 gallons of the same gas left and I added prescribed amount of SaBil.

It sat untouched all winter utill:

I started the boat on Thursday of last week in the driveway, it idled a little rough but not bad on gas that was almost 11 months old. I then put 5 new gallons of premium ethanol FREE gas and then added about 10 oz. of Seafoam and 3 oz. of Stabil.

The boat started right up, no rough idle, took it out on the river, ran like it did when new.

Seafoam and Stabil are wonderful products!

Did you draw some fuel and check for water?
install a water seperator?
If not you're playing an expensive game.